Gang rape victim seeks justice

ISLAMABAD – The rape incidents in Pakistan are on the rise, which is not only tarnishing the country image in the comity of nations but also creating disturbance in society and it is high time to nip the menace before its too late. On April 24, Haroon, Shahbaz, and Pitras allegedly raped Parveen Akhtar at New Shikral Town Islamabad, when she went to see a house for taking it on a rent.

Parveen Akhtar said that she was interested to take a home on a rent and a property dealer, Haroon asked her to bring Rs 5,000 for finalising the deal. She went to Haroon’s office who took her to show a home at New Shikral Town. “I was victimized by six persons who were already present in the home. Haroon, Shahbaz, Pitras and three unknown persons raped me and threatened me with dire consequences if I inform police”, she claimed.

“I rushed to Shahzad Town Police Station for registering FIR but the police refused to register the case”, she said and added, “a lady constable helped me and I got medical report from Islamabad Hospital Complex, and the police registered a case against Shahbaz, Pitras, Haroon and three unknown persons.”

“FIR was registered against the accused but the police are forcing me to withdraw the case”, she complained. When TheNation contacted DSP Ishaq, he said that three accused have been arrested and now the case is the court. It is up to the court, he added.

It is pertinent to mention here that the remaining three accused are still at large and due to their status the police cannot arrest them. The DSP also parried a question about the presence of illicit weapons at the time of the occurring of the incident. Parveen demanded of the concerned authorities to arrest the influential accused.
Source: The Nation
Date:6/25/2008